Theorian82
New member
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2008
- Messages
- 2
- Country
- AUS
- State
- Queensland
- City
- Brisbane
Hello to all,
I am a 25 year old male, currently studying nursing / human movement science - looking to enter med school after I graduate. Around 8 months ago I notice consistent fasciculation of my right bicep, more so the medial belly. The twitch went non-stop for weeks and was unfortunately occurring during a Neuroscience subject I was taking (with regards to human movement disorders). I took a particular interest in this subject and I suppose have found my calling with regards to my future academic pursuits (neurology). Unfortunately, I knew the in's and out's of fasciculations, and their associated diseases. At first I wasn't too phased when I had to study MND / ALS, but eventually began to fixate on such a Dx for my fasciculations (I do have an anxiety problem). Well, since then I have noticed constant fascics in my right and left calves / feet. Buzzing sensation (as if a few muscle fibers are vibrating together - short lived, sometimes prolonged). Fasciculations have become diffuse with regards to the rest of my body, yet remain fairly constant in my legs. My right calf as of a couple of months ago began to feel weaker. I now wake up with a sore left calf each day due to this muscular difference in strength. I have experienced spasms, muscle aches and pains and cramping - particularly after a long run.
Recently I was tapping on my legs (am a drummer!), and noticed that I could create a fairly easy knee jerk reaction just by simply tapping on the patellar tendon (even when slightly taught). Once I researched possible causes of this particular symptom, I tied them all in together and am now convinced I have early MND.
Things to note:
Was put on SSRI's previous to the 'hyperreflexia symptoms'
Yes, stress and anxiety tend to exacerbate my twitching and could possibly explain all symptoms (my doctor is sure it is all anxiety related).
MRI normal
Thymus CT scan normal (MG possibility)
EMG normal - apart from a few fasciculations in my right calf muscle. No fibrillations, although when testing my right calf, the neuro commented on the fact that my muscle took a little while longer to kick in.
NCV tests normal, except for the fact that my right leg was returning faster than my right arm.
Bloods - every single one imaginable. All normal except for the serology of my past 2 which came back with elevated levels of the ACh antibodies. In fact, my second test came back with a higher result.
Physical / neurological exam passed very easily.
The Neuro thinks I may have Generalised Myasthenia Gravis, but needs more evidence - so now I am to play the 'waiting game' before administering a tensilon test. Both he and my Doctor say I do not have MND.
Yet, I am convinced I have MND and have already leveled myself in the 'acceptance' stage, and am already getting on with my life. It sounds crazy, I know.
Anyway, not too sure on what I am doing here, just stating that if after my appointment with a well known MND specialist in the coming months and further testing supporting a negative Dx, I would just like to let you all know that I will be pursuing my med career with an aim at focusing on MND / ALS research. I feel I was put on this planet to help people and have done so all of my life.
The emotional turmoil and stress placed on almost every aspect of my life from the aforementioned symptoms / self "Dx" and associated anxiety has indeed been a blessing in disguise. Regardless of whether or not I have MND, I am excited about each day and like I have said, have also found my calling (neurology / MND research).
My thoughts are with those and their families / friends out there in similar situations and those diagnosed with such a disease (which ever variant).
Take care and share your thoughts on my story as it is and feel free to ask questions.
Dave.
I am a 25 year old male, currently studying nursing / human movement science - looking to enter med school after I graduate. Around 8 months ago I notice consistent fasciculation of my right bicep, more so the medial belly. The twitch went non-stop for weeks and was unfortunately occurring during a Neuroscience subject I was taking (with regards to human movement disorders). I took a particular interest in this subject and I suppose have found my calling with regards to my future academic pursuits (neurology). Unfortunately, I knew the in's and out's of fasciculations, and their associated diseases. At first I wasn't too phased when I had to study MND / ALS, but eventually began to fixate on such a Dx for my fasciculations (I do have an anxiety problem). Well, since then I have noticed constant fascics in my right and left calves / feet. Buzzing sensation (as if a few muscle fibers are vibrating together - short lived, sometimes prolonged). Fasciculations have become diffuse with regards to the rest of my body, yet remain fairly constant in my legs. My right calf as of a couple of months ago began to feel weaker. I now wake up with a sore left calf each day due to this muscular difference in strength. I have experienced spasms, muscle aches and pains and cramping - particularly after a long run.
Recently I was tapping on my legs (am a drummer!), and noticed that I could create a fairly easy knee jerk reaction just by simply tapping on the patellar tendon (even when slightly taught). Once I researched possible causes of this particular symptom, I tied them all in together and am now convinced I have early MND.
Things to note:
Was put on SSRI's previous to the 'hyperreflexia symptoms'
Yes, stress and anxiety tend to exacerbate my twitching and could possibly explain all symptoms (my doctor is sure it is all anxiety related).
MRI normal
Thymus CT scan normal (MG possibility)
EMG normal - apart from a few fasciculations in my right calf muscle. No fibrillations, although when testing my right calf, the neuro commented on the fact that my muscle took a little while longer to kick in.
NCV tests normal, except for the fact that my right leg was returning faster than my right arm.
Bloods - every single one imaginable. All normal except for the serology of my past 2 which came back with elevated levels of the ACh antibodies. In fact, my second test came back with a higher result.
Physical / neurological exam passed very easily.
The Neuro thinks I may have Generalised Myasthenia Gravis, but needs more evidence - so now I am to play the 'waiting game' before administering a tensilon test. Both he and my Doctor say I do not have MND.
Yet, I am convinced I have MND and have already leveled myself in the 'acceptance' stage, and am already getting on with my life. It sounds crazy, I know.
Anyway, not too sure on what I am doing here, just stating that if after my appointment with a well known MND specialist in the coming months and further testing supporting a negative Dx, I would just like to let you all know that I will be pursuing my med career with an aim at focusing on MND / ALS research. I feel I was put on this planet to help people and have done so all of my life.
The emotional turmoil and stress placed on almost every aspect of my life from the aforementioned symptoms / self "Dx" and associated anxiety has indeed been a blessing in disguise. Regardless of whether or not I have MND, I am excited about each day and like I have said, have also found my calling (neurology / MND research).
My thoughts are with those and their families / friends out there in similar situations and those diagnosed with such a disease (which ever variant).
Take care and share your thoughts on my story as it is and feel free to ask questions.
Dave.
